EMBRACING THE KINGDOM Part I

EMBRACING THE KINGDOM Part I

The Millennial Reign of Christ

I. THE JEWISH EXPECTATION OF THE COMING MESSIAH

Luke 24:13-21

13  Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus,

which was seven miles from Jerusalem. 

14  And they talked together of all these things which had happened. 

15  So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and

went with them. 

16  But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him.

17  And He said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one

another as you walk and are sad?”

18  Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the

only stranger in Jerusalem, and have You not known the things which happened

there in these days?”

19  And He said to them, “What things?”so they said to Him, “The things concerning

Jesus of Nazareth, who was a Prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all

the people, 

20  and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death,

and crucified Him. 

21  But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides

all this, today is the third day since these things happened.

II. THE KINGDOM NOW BUT NOT YET

Matthew 4:17

17  From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of

heaven is at hand.”

III. DIFFERING VIEWS OF THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

1. Three Differing Views

a. Post-Millennialism

Post Millennialism: interprets the 1000 years figuratively. This view states

that the majority of the world will be converted to Christ through the

Preaching of the Gospel. This will result in a period of universal peace and

righteousness. Thus the millennium stands for an indefinite long period of

time in which there will be a “Golden Age” of spiritual and moral prosperity.

At the close of this “Golden Age” Christ will come, the dead, both righteous

and wicked, will be raised, and the judgment will follow.

b. Amillennialism: Interprets Revelation 20:1-10 symbolically and spiritually, but

it rejects the notion of an earthly millennium altogether—whether spiritual

or material. This view believes that the Bible teaches that good and evil will

continue side by side until the end of time. Christ may come at any time.

When He does the dead will be raised and there will be a final judgment at

which the saved and lost will be separated. Then eternity begins.

c. Pre-Millennialism (This is the view I Hold)

Revelation 20:1-10 refers to a literal reign of Christ on earth. This reign will

be established when Christ comes again.

Perspicuity of Scripture- clearness or lucidity, as of a statement.

IV. THE MILLENNIAL REIGN OF CHRIST

The Millennial Reign of Christ is the literal reign of Jesus Christ on this earth for

1,000 years. The word millennium is a compound derivative from Latin, which

simply translates into one thousand years. It immediately follows the Great

Tribulation, which is a period of intense suffering.

1. It Begins with The Second Coming of Christ

a. Jesus Returns

Revelation 19:11-16

11  Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on

him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes

war. 

12  His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a

name written that no one knew except Himself. 

13  He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of

God. 

14  And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him

on white horses. 

15  Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the

nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the

winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 

16  And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

b. The Beast (Antichrist) and his kings will try to make war with the Lamb and

His Saints.

Revelation 17:12-14

12  “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom

as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 

13  These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the

beast. 

14  These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for

He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called,

chosen, and faithful.”

c. Spirits will drive men and nations to the battle.

Revelation 16:12-14

12  Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and

its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be

prepared. 

13  And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the

dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false

prophet. 

14  For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the

kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of

that great day of God Almighty.

d. There will be a great defeat.

Revelation 19:19-21

19  And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered

together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His

army. 

20  Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked

signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of

the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into

the lake of fire burning with brimstone. 

21  And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of

Him who sat on the horse. And all the birds were filled with their flesh.

2. Satan Will Be Bound For 1,000 Years

Revelation 20:1-3

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless

pit and a great chain in his hand.

2  He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and

bound him for a thousand years;

3  and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him,

so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were

finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.

V. THE CHARASTERISTICS OF THE KINGDOM

1. There will be tremendous peace.

Isaiah 2:2-4

Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the LORD’s

house Shall be established on the top of the mountains and shall be exalted

above the hills; And all nations shall flow to it.

3 Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of

the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we

shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, And the word of

the LORD from Jerusalem.

4 He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; They shall beat

their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall

not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.

Isaiah 11:6-9

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the

young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little

child shall lead them.

7 The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together; And

the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put

his hand in the viper’s den.

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be

full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.

2. Christ alone will govern.

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be

upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty

God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

3. There will be joy unspeakable.

Isaiah 9:3-4

You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; They rejoice before You

According to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

4 For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, The

rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

4. There will be childbearing and longevity.

Isaiah 65:20-23

“No more shall an infant from there live but a few days, nor an old man who has

not fulfilled his days; For the child shall die one hundred years old, But the sinner

being one hundred years old shall be accursed.

21 They shall build houses and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and eat

their fruit.

22 They shall not build and another inhabit; They shall not plant and another eat;

For as the days of a tree, so shall be the days of My people, And My elect shall

long enjoy the work of their hands.

23 They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; For they shall

be the descendants of the blessed of the LORD, And their offspring with them.

5. There will be marriage.

Isaiah 4:1-3

And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, “We will eat

our own food and wear our own apparel; Only let us be called by your name, To

take away our reproach.”

2 In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious; And the fruit

of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have

escaped. 3  And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in

Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded among the living in

Jerusalem.

6. There will be labor.

Isaiah 62:8-9

The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by the arm of His strength: “Surely I

will no longer give your grain As food for your enemies; And the sons of the

foreigner shall not drink your new wine, For which you have labored.

9 But those who have gathered it shall eat it, and praise the LORD; Those who

have brought it together shall drink it in My holy courts.

7. The offspring of some mortal believers may be disobedient at times.

Zechariah 14:16-21

And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came

against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of

hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

17  And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to

Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, on them there will be no rain.

18  If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain;

they shall receive the plague with which the LORD strikes the nations who do not

come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

19  This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations

that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

20  In that day “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” shall be engraved on the bells of the

horses. The pots in the LORD’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar.

21  Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holiness to the LORD of hosts.

Everyone who sacrifices shall come and take them and cook in them. In that day

there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the LORD of hosts.

8. There will be Holiness.

Isaiah 1:26-27

I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning.

Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

27 Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her penitents with righteousness.

9. There will be Glory.

Isaiah 24:23

Then the moon will be disgraced and the sun ashamed; For the LORD of hosts will

reign On Mount Zion and in Jerusalem and before His elders, gloriously.

10. There will be comfort.

Isaiah 12:1-2

And in that day you will say: “O LORD, I will praise You; Though You were angry

with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.

2 Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For YAH, the LORD, is

my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’ “

11. There will be justice.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the

throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment

and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts

will perform this.

12. There will be full knowledge.

Isaiah 11:1-2,9

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out

of his roots.

2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and

understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of

the fear of the LORD.

9  They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain,

For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord

As the waters cover the sea.

Habakkuk 2:14

For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the

waters cover the sea

13. There will be abundant productivity through removing of the curse.

Isaiah 11:6-9

“The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, The leopard shall lie down with the

young goat, The calf and the young lion and the fatling together; And a little

child shall lead them.

7 The cow and the bear shall graze; Their young ones shall lie down together;

And the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 The nursing child shall play by the cobra’s hole, And the weaned child shall put

his hand in the viper’s den.

9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be

full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.

14. There will be no sickness.

Isaiah 33:24

And the inhabitant will not say, “I am sick”; The people who dwell in it will be

forgiven their iniquity

15. There will be freedom from all forms of oppression that presently ravage

mankind.

Isaiah 14:3-6

It shall come to pass in the day the LORD gives you rest from your sorrow, and

from your fear and the hard bondage in which you were made to serve,

4  that you will take up this proverb against the king of Babylon, and say: “How

the oppressor has ceased, the golden city ceased!

5 The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers;

6 He who struck the people in wrath with a continual stroke, He who ruled the

nations in anger.

Zechariah 9:11-12

“As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners

free from the waterless pit.

12 Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope.

Even today I declare That I will restore double to you

VI. THE LOOSING OF SATAN AND THE DECEIVING OF THE NATIONS

Revelation 20:7-9

Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison

8  and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog

and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the

sea.

9  They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints

and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured

them.

TRANSFORMATIONAL VS TRANSACTIONAL | Chris Searcy

 TRANSFORMATIONAL VS TRANSACTIONAL

In Matthew 24 Jesus describes the landscape of the generation of His return. Growing

presence of deception that causes hearts to grow cold, refusing to turn to God and

people in love. Jesus makes it clear that this deception comes from social messengers

who seek to connect our hearts with a different narrative than the gospel.

1 “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be

lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers,

disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers,

without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty,

lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” (2 Tim. 3:2-4)

The Lord is raising up and preparing the church to be a clear beacon of hope, a gospel

witness. The church is to come forth as the community of the forgiven who love.

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved

you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My

disciples, if you have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:34-35)

BUT HOW DO WE GO FROM WEAK HUMANS TO FULFILL THIS CALL?

WE NEED A TRANSFORMATION!

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of

His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom. 8:29)

A. Humans are naturally wired to engage in transactional relationships. But the New

Testament sets forth a vision for a transformational relationship. The Spirit has an

agenda to transform you through discipleship.

A. What is a transactional relationship? Buying and selling – a negotiated

arrangement – “If you do this, I will give you that.”

A. Transactional is mostly focused on the outward, this for that. It is not

always negative but presents significant downsides.

a) Idolatry in the Old Testament was based upon a transactional

relationship

B. What is a transformational relationship? A process that changes and alters

people.

a) God gives us lesser parallels. (Marriage is one. How I’ve been

changed by it.)

B. It affects their emotions, values, ethics, standards, and paradigm of the

future. It assesses the motives of the heart, deeper needs, and relates to

another as a full human being.

a) Because the root is love through relationship.

C. Every Christian is in a transformational relationship with Christ because they are

under His leadership. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be

transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test

and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom.

12:2)

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP - 4 VALUES

A. Influence – the leader behaves in a such a way that people want to

emulate them. They reflect behaviors and attitudes that others aspire to

and want to model - “That’s the kind of person I want to be.”

B. Motivation – The leader says, “I have a vision, a tremendous vison. We’re

going to achieve it, you can be apart, and this is how.” It makes others say

“yes.”

C. Partnership – the leader recognizes people have something to contribute,

they desire partnership and collaboration. They see success tied to the

contribution and gifting of others beyond themselves. (the Body of Christ)

D. Consideration – knowing the individual – what do people bring to the

table? Who are they? More than what they can do. Personal and knowing

what’s going on in people lives. Be sensitive, support and help them work

through personal issues beyond their direct functional contribution

D. Jesus is going to transform the “Laodicean Church” of compromised, indifferent

love, into a holy and blameless Bride. He will reveal His beauty to a generation

on earth who asks for it. (Is. 33:17)

27 that [Jesus] might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having

spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without

blemish. (Eph. 5:27)

E. The key to transformation: beholding Christ’s beauty. Delighting in God’s beauty

through prayer, worship, meditation, serving, humility is the key to engaging in

the transformative process.

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory [beauty] of the

Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by

the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor. 3:18)

TEMPERANCE MATTERS (Part 2) Growing in Self Control

TEMPERANCE MATTERS (Part 2) Growing in Self Control 

2 Peter 1:3-7 NLT

3  By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have

received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his

marvelous glory and excellence. 

4  And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These

are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption

caused by human desires.

5  In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with

a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 

6  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient

endurance with godliness,

7  and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

Hierarchy of Christian Maturity

Moral Excellence

Knowledge

Self-Control (Temperance)

Patient Endurance

Godliness

Brotherly Affection

Love for all

I. FACTS ABOUT SELF CONTROL

1. Self-Control drastically improves your life

 People who exercise self-control are happier and healthier.

 Their relationships are more satisfying and last longer.

 They make more money and go further in their careers.

 They are better able to manage stress, deal with conflict, and overcome

adversity. They live longer.

 Self-control is a better predictor of academic success than intelligence, a

stronger determinant of effective leadership than charisma and more

important for marital bliss than empathy.

2. Self-Control is like a muscle that gets stronger as you use it

Romans 6:16

16  Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are

that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of

obedience leading to righteousness?

3. Self-Control is fighting against internal desires

We are used to seeing temptation and trouble outside of ourselves: the

dangerous doughnut, the sinful cigarette, the enticing Internet. But self-control

points the mirror back at ourselves, and our inner worlds of thoughts, desires,

emotions, and impulses.

James 1:14

14  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and

enticed. 

15  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-

grown, brings forth death.

II. HOW TEMPTATION WORKS IN THE BRAIN

1. The Promise of Reward

a. Dopamine Rush – Doesn’t create happiness itself, more like arousal (alert,

captivated)

b. Recognize the possibility of feeling good but doesn’t bring satisfaction

Ecclesiastes 1:8

All things are full of labor; Man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with

seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

Ecclesiastes 1:14

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity

and grasping for the wind.

John 4:13-14

13  Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 

14  but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the

water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up

into everlasting life.”

 Your brain launches a neurotransmitter called dopamine from the middle of

your brain into areas of the brain that control your attention, motivation, and

action.

 Threat is not outside it is only inside. You need to use will power to arrest

the internal impulses. Threat is inside.

III. TIPS TO GREATER SELF CONTROL

1. Know Yourself

Psalm 4:4 (KJV)

Stand in awe, and sin not: Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be

still. Selah

Psalm 77:6

I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart,

and my spirit makes diligent search.

Without self-awareness, our self-control system would be useless. We need to

recognize when we are making a choice that requires willpower; otherwise, the

brain always defaults to what is easiest.

2. Set firm, clear long-term commitment goals

Joshua 24:15

And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom

you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the

other side of the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But

as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD

2 CORINTHIANS 1:17-20

17  Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I

plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? 

18  But as God is faithful, our  [a] word to you was not Yes and No. 

19  For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by

me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. 

20  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God

through us.

3. Recognize Triggers

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring

lion, seeking whom he may devour.

.

 Stress - Science also points us to a critical insight: Stress is the enemy of

willpower

 Distraction

4. Do not gloat too much over victories

1 Corinthians 10:12

Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

When you do something good, you feel good about yourself. This means you are

more likely to trust your impulses—which often means giving yourself

permission to do something bad. Most people do not question their impulses

when they are feeling virtuous.

Anything that makes us feel warm and fuzzy about our virtue—even just thinking

about doing something good—can license us to follow our impulses. This is

called Moral Licensing.

When you feel like a saint, the idea of self-indulgence does not feel wrong. It

feels right, like you earned it. And if the only thing motivating your self-control is

the desire to be a good enough person, you are going to give in whenever you

are already feeling good about yourself.

5. Pause and Plan

Proverbs 24:6

For by wise counsel, you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of

counselors there is safety

6. Do not Borrow from Tomorrow

When thinking about our future choices, we wrongly but persistently expect to

make different decisions tomorrow than we do today.

We somehow think it will be easier tomorrow. That is why we defer till

tomorrow and cheat today.

HOW - View every choice you make as a commitment to all future choices. So

instead of asking, “Do I want to eat this candy bar now?” ask yourself, “Do I want

the consequences of eating a candy bar every afternoon for the next year?” Or if

you have been putting something off that you know you should do, instead of

asking “Would I rather do this today or tomorrow?” ask yourself, “Do I really

want the consequences of always putting this off?”

TEMPERANCE MATTERS (Part 1) “The Value of Self Control”

TEMPERANCE MATTERS (Part 1) “The Value of Self Control”

2 Peter 1:3-7 NLT

3  By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have

received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his

marvelous glory and excellence. 

4  And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These

are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption

caused by human desires.

5  In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with

a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 

6  and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient

endurance with godliness, 

7  and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.

Hierarchy of Christian Maturity

a. Moral Excellence

b. Knowledge

c. Self-Control (Temperance)

d. Patient Endurance

e. Godliness

f. Brotherly Affection

g. Love for All

I. FACTS ABOUT SELF CONTROL

1. It’s a biblical virtue

1 Corinthians 9:26-27

26  Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats

the air. 

27  But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached

to others, I myself should become disqualified.

2. It drastically improves your life

People who have better control of their attention, emotions, and actions are

better off almost any way you look at it. They are happier and healthier. Their

relationships are more satisfying and last longer. They make more money and go

further in their careers. They are better able to manage stress, deal with conflict,

and overcome adversity. They even live longer. Self-control is a better predictor

of academic success than intelligence, a stronger determinant of effective

leadership than charisma, and more important for marital bliss than empathy.

3. Self-Control is like a muscle that gets stronger as you use it

Studies have found that committing to any small, consistent act of self-control

can increase overall willpower.

4. Self-Control is a function of the Pre-Frontal Cortex

a. Upper Left Region– “I Will” (Task) Helps us to keep doing the boring stuff.

b. Upper Right Region– “I Won’t” Keeps you from following every impulse.

These areas control what we do.

c. Lower Middle Region- Keeps track of your goals and your desires. It

remembers what you really want.

5. Self-Control and well-being are connected

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send

portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord.

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength

a. Blood Sugar Levels

b. Rest

c. Energy Levels Etc.

d. Stress Levels

II. HOW TEMPTATION WORKS IN THE BRAIN

1. The Promise of Reward

a. Dopamine Rush – Doesn’t create happiness itself, more like arousal (alert,

captivated)

b. Recognize the possibility of feeling good but doesn’t bring satisfaction

Ecclesiastes 1:8

All things are full of labor; Man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with

seeing, Nor the ear filled with hearing

Ecclesiastes 1:14

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity

and grasping for the wind

John 4:13-14

13  Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 

14  but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the

water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up

into everlasting life.”

a. Your brain launches a neurotransmitter called dopamine from the middle of

your brain into areas of the brain that control your attention, motivation, and

action.

b. Threat is not outside, it’s only inside. You need to use will power to arrest

the internal impulses. Threat is inside.

2. Pause and Plan

The pause-and-plan response drives you in the opposite direction of the fight-or-

flight response. Instead of speeding up, your heart slows down, and your blood

pressure stays normal. Instead of hyperventilating, you take a deep breath.

Instead of tensing muscles to prime them for action, your body relaxes a little.

The pause-and-plan response puts your body into a calmer state. The goal is not

to paralyze you in the face of internal conflict, but to give you freedom.

a. Perceive problem as an internal conflict not an external threat

b. Slow down, do not speed up by impulse as in fight or flight

c. Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (Slows the body down)

3. Embrace Contentment

Philippians 4:11-13

11  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to

be content: 

12  I know how to  [a] be abased, and I know how to  [b] abound. Everywhere and in all

things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to

suffer need. 

13  I can do all things through  [c] Christ who strengthens me.

1 Timothy 6:6-10

6  Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 

7  For we brought nothing into this world,  [a] and it is certain we can carry nothing

out. 

8  And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 

9  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many

foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 

10  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed

from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many

sorrows.

WORD OF THE LORD 1.2.22

 WORD OF THE LORD 2022 SERMON

Haggai 2:6-9

“For thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth,

the sea and dry land; 7  and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All

Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,’ says the LORD of hosts. 8  ‘The silver is Mine, and the

gold is Mine,’ says the LORD of hosts. 9  ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the

former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts.

INTRODUCTION:

God Reveals His Heart

Amos 3:7

Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets

Genesis 18:17

  And the LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing

Prophecy is for Faith and War

1 Timothy 1:18-19

  This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made

concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19  having faith and a good

conscience

I. THE YEAR OF GLORY

Isaiah 60:1-3

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. 2

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But

the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. 3 The Gentiles shall

come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising

GLORY (kabod) – Comes from the word (kabed) which means 1 to be heavy, be

weighty, be grievous, be hard, be rich, be honorable, be glorious, be burdensome, be

honored.

The word means - glory, honor, glorious, abundance. abundance, riches. honor,

splendor, glory

1. Moses and the Glory

a. God responds to the Murmuring of the Children of Israel by manifesting His

Glory. Exodus 8:1-11

2. The Lord spoke to Moses out of the Cloud of Glory Exodus 16:10

3. Moses is sustained in the Glory for 40 days and nights. Exodus 24:15-18

4. God Comes in the Glory

Exodus 33:18-23

II. THE HOUSE WILL BE BUILT

1. Household Salvation

2. Marriages Strengthened and Restored

3. Record number of New Marriages

4. House of the Lord coming into its fuller expression

5. Habitation

III. VISITATION AND ACCESS TO NEW REALMS

Revelation 4:1

After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the

first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up

here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.

Zechariah 3:1-8

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the LORD,

and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2  And the LORD said to Satan, “The

LORD rebuke you, Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a

brand plucked from the fire?” 3  Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and

was standing before the Angel. 4  Then He answered and spoke to those who stood

before Him, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” And to him He said,

“See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.”

5  And I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So they put a clean turban on

his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the LORD stood by. 6  Then

the Angel of the LORD admonished Joshua, saying, 7  “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘If

you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command, then you shall also

judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk

Among these who stand here. 8 ‘Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, you and your

companions who sit before you, for they are a wondrous sign; for behold, I am

bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH.

The New King James Version. (1982). (Zec 3:1–8). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

IV. SIGNS WONDERS AND MIRACLES

Acts 2:22

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you

by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you

yourselves also know

Acts 10:38

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went

about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with

Him

Acts 9:32-35

Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also

came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33  There he found a certain man named

Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34  And Peter said to

him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose

immediately. 35  So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the

Lord.

V. YEAR FOR NEW RESOLVE

Psalm 22:14-22

I am poured out like water, and all My bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It

has melted within Me. 15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And My tongue

clings to My jaws; You have brought Me to the dust of death. 16 For dogs have

surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My

hands and My feet; 17 I can count all My bones. They look and stare at Me. 18 They

divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots. 19 But You, O

LORD, do not be far from Me; O My Strength, hasten to help Me! 20 Deliver Me from

the sword, My precious life from the power of the dog. 21 Save Me from the lion’s

mouth and from the horns of the wild oxen! You have answered Me. 22 I will declare

Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You

VI. SABBATH YEAR

1. Rest from toil.

Exodus 20:8-11

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9  Six days you shall labor and do all

your work, 10  but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you

shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant,

nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your

gates. 11  For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all

that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the

Sabbath day and hallowed it

2. The Land was to rest but God would send more every 7 years.

Leviticus 25:20

‘And if you say, “What shall we eat in the seventh year, since we shall not sow

nor gather in our produce

3. The Poor Benefitted Greatly.

VII. HARVEST

Matthew 13:24-30

Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man

who sowed good seed in his field; 25  but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed

tares among the wheat and went his way. 26  But when the grain had sprouted and

produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. 27  So the servants of the owner came

and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have

tares?’ 28  He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Do

you want us then to go and gather them up?’ 29  But he said, ‘No, lest while you

gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. 30  Let both grow together

until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather

together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat

into my barn.”’ 

VIII. FEAR OF THE LORD / HOLINESS

Obadiah 1:17

“But on Mount Zion there shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness; The

house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.

Exodus 19:9

And the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I come to you in the thick cloud, that the

people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever

IX. THE YEAR OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Luke 11:13

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more

will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.

John 16:7

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not

go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you

1. Receive Him

Acts 19:2

He said unto them, have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?

2. Don’t Grieve Him

Ephesians 4:30

30  And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of

redemption.

3. Don’t Quench Him

1 Thessalonians 5:19

19  Quench not the Spirit…

4. Commune with Him

2 Corinthians 13:13-14

13  All the saints salute you. 14  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of

God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

X. RESTORATION OF TONGUES

1. It Makes You Strong

Romans 8:26-27

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we

should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with

groanings which cannot be uttered. 27  Now He who searches the hearts knows

what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints

according to the will of God.

2. It Increases your Faith

Jude 1:20

But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the

Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 14:4

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself….

3. It’s Refreshes You

John 7:37-39

On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If

anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38  He who believes in Me, as the

Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” 39  But this He

spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the

Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified

4. Revelation Emerges

1 Corinthians 14:2

For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one

understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries (secrets).

BREAKING BAD 12-31-21

BREAKING BAD

Judges 6:1-18

Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD delivered them into the

hand of Midian for seven years, 2  and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the

Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds

which are in the mountains. 3  So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up;

also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. 4  Then they would

encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no

sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. 5  For they would come up with their

livestock and their tents, coming in as numerous as locusts; both they and their camels were

without number; and they would enter the land to destroy it. 6  So Israel was greatly

impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. 7  And it

came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of the Midianites, 8  that

the LORD sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of

Israel: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage; 9  and I

delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all who oppressed you,

and drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10  Also I said to you, “I am the LORD your

God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” But you have not obeyed

My voice.’  Now the Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in

Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the

winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. 12  And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him,

and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” 13  Gideon said to Him, “O my

lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles

which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the

LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 14  Then the LORD turned

to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the

Midianites. Have I not sent you?” 15  So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed

my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” 16  And the LORD

said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” 17  Then

he said to Him, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who

talk with me. 18  Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering

and set it before You.” And He said, “I will wait until you come back

I. BAD

Anything God does not sanction

Anything that is not producing desired results

Anything hindering your relationships

Anything that has been a family stronghold

Any negative thing spoken over you that you believe, or sub consciously act on

Anything you need to get rid of to be a better you

Any bad thing you did that you haven’t forgiven yourself for (stuck)

Any religious stronghold hindering your relationship with God

II. HOWTO BREAK BAD

1. Recognize Seasons Make Breakthrough Possible

2. Tap into Generational Inheritance – Ultimate Generational Blessing Jesus

3. Realize the Lord is With You if you are with Him

4. Believe What He Believes About You (Mighty Man of Valor)

5. Silence the Distracting Voices

6. Deal with your Doubts

7. Break Down the Altars

8. Get a Plan

9. Build your Team – 300

10. Execute the Plan

CULTIVATING A VIBRANT INNER LIFE

 CULTIVATING A VIBRANT INNER LIFE

 

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14​“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

 

Luke 2:51

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart

 

I. MARY WAS DIFFERENT

1. Response to the Angel

Luke 1:38

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

 

 

2. Miracle at Cana

John 2:1-5

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it”

 

3. Didn’t go with other women to the Tomb

Luke 24:1-2

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

 

 

II. BENEFITS OF CONTEMPLATION

1. Increased Faith/Optimism

 

 

2. Increase in Health

• increased positive mood

• improved concentration

• improved immune function

• less anxiety and depression

• slower aging

 

3. Enlarged Pre-Frontal Cortex

 

Long-time contemplators tend to have an enlarged frontal cortex (part of the brain responsible for intelligence, personality, sensory information, motor functions and thought) and a smaller amygdala (responsible for experiencing emotions). Contemplative practice allows emotions such as fear, agitation or anger to diminish.

 

4. Greater experience of Positive Emotions

 

 

 

III. HOW TO CONTEMPLATE MORE

1. Speak less, listen and think more

James 1:19

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath

 

Prov 10:19

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise

 

Prov 18:2

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction

 

James 1:26

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless

 

Matthew 12:36-37

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned”

 

2. Slow your roll

Matthew 11:28-30

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light

 

Luke 10:38-42

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her”

 

Eccl 3:1

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven

 

 

3. Meditate (God, His Word, Truth)

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper

 

Phil 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 

a. Get quiet

b. Focus

c. Turn the thought over

d. Breathe Deep

e. Bring Mind Back if it wanders

WAYS TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER DAILY

WAYS TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER DAILY

Heb 3:12-14

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the

living God; 13  but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be

hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14  For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold

the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end

INTRO:

Christianity is not a religion it’s a relationship (a way of life)

Distinct way of life that sets you at odds with the world system

Narrow is the way that leads to life broad is way to destruction

Matthew 10:34-38

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.

35  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a

daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36  and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own

household.’ 37  He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who

loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38  And he who does not take his cross

and follow after Me is not worthy of Me

John 15:18-19

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19  If you were of the

world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out

of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Ex. Change or Die. (Community)

Ex. Healthy at Last (Soul Food… - Plant Based)

I. WE NEED EACH OTHER

Eccl 4:9-12

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if

they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep

warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by

another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Rom 12:4-5

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the

same function, 5  so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually

members of one another

Phil 2:4

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of

others

Heb 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25  not

forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but

exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching

Col 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing

one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your

hearts to the Lord

Acts 2:42-47

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the

breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43  Then fear came upon every soul, and many

wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44  Now all who believed were

together, and had all things in common, 45  and sold their possessions and goods, and

divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46  So continuing daily with one accord

in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with

gladness and simplicity of heart, 47  praising God and having favor with all the people.

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved

II. WAYS WE MUST EXHORT EACH OTHER

1. To Stand

1 Cor 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in

the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

2. To Faith

Rom 1:11-12

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you

may be established— 12  that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by

the mutual faith both of you and me

Jude 20

  But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the

Holy Spirit, 21  keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our

Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life

3. To Love

Heb 10:24

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love…

4. To serve

Gal 5 13

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an

opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Matthew 9:37-38

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are

few. 38  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His

harvest

5. To draw others

Jude 22-23

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23  but others save with fear,

pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh

Luke 14:22-23

And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is

room.’ 23  Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and

hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

6. To do good Works

Heb 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to stir up…good works

7. To love God

Song 5:2-16 – 6:1

I sleep, but my heart is awake; It is the voice of my beloved! He knocks, saying,

“Open for me, my sister, my love, My dove, my perfect one; For my head is

covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.” 3 I have taken off my

robe; How can I put it on again? I have washed my feet; How can I defile them? 4

My beloved put his hand By the latch of the door, And my heart yearned for him.

5 I arose to open for my beloved, And my hands dripped with myrrh, My fingers

with liquid myrrh, On the handles of the lock. 6 I opened for my beloved, But my

beloved had turned away and was gone. My heart leaped up when he spoke. I

sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7

The watchmen who went about the city found me. They struck me, they

wounded me; The keepers of the walls Took my veil away from me. 8 I charge

you, O daughters of Jerusalem, If you find my beloved, That you tell him I am

lovesick! 9 What is your beloved More than another beloved, O fairest among

women? What is your beloved More than another beloved, That you so charge

us?

10 My beloved is white and ruddy, Chief among ten thousand. 11 His head is like

the finest gold; His locks are wavy, And black as a raven. 12 His eyes are like

doves By the rivers of waters, Washed with milk, And fitly set. 13 His cheeks are

like a bed of spices, Banks of scented herbs. His lips are lilies, dripping liquid

myrrh…His mouth is most sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved,

And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!

6:1 Where has your beloved gone, O fairest among women? Where has your

beloved turned aside, That we may seek him with you

8. To look for Jesus Return

2 Peter 3:11-13

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought

you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12  looking for and hastening the coming

of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire,

and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13  Nevertheless we, according to

His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness

dwells

The Time Is Now Pt. 1 - Bishop Fred

The Time is now

 

1. The Signs are here.

Luke 21:25 -27 And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress

of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and

the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be

shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now

when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.

2. Jesus is coming back

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his

garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! ESV

Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the

thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 

3. The earth is waiting on you to save them from hell fire 

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of

God.

 The Manifestation of the sons of God is the purpose and destiny of every born again believer 

4. You are created to show the light of the son of God

 This is the churches Isaiah 60 moment

 Isaiah 60: 1-3, Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For

behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of

your rising.

5. When the Master come what will you present to Him

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will

sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them

one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His

right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you

blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:35 ‘for I

was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took

Me in 36 ‘I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to

Me. 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or

thirsty and give You drink? 38 ‘When did we see You as a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe

You? 39 ‘Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

Matthew 25:40-41 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you

did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’41 “Then He will also say to those on the

left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in

their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

 You are not a goat 

 Is Ministry Time

 Show time. Is time to show Jesus